This exceptional chest of drawers, made in New England circa 1750, had the unique distinction of having been owned by seven generations of women named Elizabeth. In his book Fine Points of Furniture, Albert Sack mentions a nearly identical chest as the best of its kind for the period.

   Looseness in the case joints, as well as excess wear on the drawer runners, interfered with the daily use of this piece. We disassembled and reglued the joints using animal hide glue. The drawer runners were returned to their original dimensions using a restoration method in which wood is added only where age and use have worn them away. This left intact the evidence of the extent of the wear. The finish, though not original, had many of the qualities of a fine old surface. We decided to leave it, adding only a coat of quality paste wax.